HIRA BRIEFING NOTE- February 11, 2025
This is a brief note to HIRA members and other residents of Howe Island about the Township of Frontenac Islands regular council meeting held on Monday January 13, 2025. The bulk of the meeting was taken up with issues of interest to residents of Wolfe Island The few items that were of particular interest to residents of Howe Island are discussed below:
Staff Reports
Fire Department Report no. FD-001-25 Fire Protection Grant:
Howe Island Fire Chief, Mike Quinn, reported that the Township has been approved for a Fire Protection Grant from the provincial government.
The township is to receive $16,460.90 under the grant.
Chief Quinn reports the funds will be used to upgrade the ability to clean the protective turn-out gear worn by the firefighters, to purchase an industrial grade extractor (Jaws of Life?) and to provide replacement gloves and Nomex protective hoods for the active firefighters.
By-Laws Enacted
By-law #001-2025 Temporary Borrowing By-law:
The by-law was passed to allow the Township to borrow funds temporarily to meet current expenditures until 2025 tax revenues and other fees are collected. The by-law places a cap on the amount that can be borrowed in the year:
- From January 1 to September 30 in the year – 50% of the total estimated revenues as set out in the approved 2025 budget.
- From October 1 to December 31 in the year – 25% of the total estimated revenues as set out in the approved 2025 budget.
Content of By-law #001-2025 can be accessed via Section 12.1 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on January 13, 2025.
The Agenda is available on the Township website.
The By-law received three readings and came into effect on January 13, 2025.
By-Law #002-2025, Interim Tax Levy By-law:
The by-law was passed to allow the Township to make interim property tax assessments for 2025 and to identify when interim amounts are due:
- 2025 interim tax levies are calculated at 50% of total 2024 property taxes levied. The first instalment on the 2025 interim tax levy is due on March 31, 2025. The first instalment is calculated at 50% of the 2025 interim levy.
- The balance of the 2025 interim tax levy is due June 30, 2025.
- Tax arrears shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.25% per month, applied on the unpaid balance outstanding at the beginning of each month.
Content of By-law #002-2025 can be accessed via Section 12.2 of the Agenda for the regular council meeting held January 13, 2025. The Agenda is available on the Township website.
The By-law and came into effect on January 13, 2025.
END of COUNCIL BUSINESS
END OF BRIEFING NOTE